"Yeah, just keep going until you hear the stream. Then follow the wall, ah... I mean... follow the stream upwards," Envy squeaked directions from where they were curled in a snakelike ball on Pride's lower back, the motion at once soothing and annoying with how determined it seemed to lull them into a much-needed sleep. After all, every tunnel was a long journey for an animal as small as Envy. They felt sure that they'd dropped off to sleep once or twice, but as they hadn't fallen off of their taxi, they couldn't really be sure.

But no matter what, the pair were nearing their final destination, and Envy peered around to see if they could see the familiar fluffball of the baby pigeon even though they weren't quite there yet. They knew that Lust wouldn't stray far from the home they'd helped her make; she was only young, after all.

They'd finally come to terms with Pride's offer, and were excited to get moving. They were determined to get that chunk of fur back if it killed them, maybe get in a few good hits on that cave-forsaken goose as a bonus. No-one would mess with their subjects! Envy sighed, thinking of the joy and admiration that their victory would bring, especially if the goose had had other victims. Surely they'd be seen as the greatest hero in all the caves! Envy felt butterflies in their stomach just thinking about it, and grinned giddily on Pride's back, knowing that the deer couldn't see them.

"Speech."

@Pride

He picked his way carefully, head high and ears flicking to and fro. He was alert, his attention on his surroundings, but he couldn't see a damn thing.

Orion was dim, compared to other rooms, and there were glinting lights here and there--bright and brilliant. He'd been born from one, a diamond among the quartz, but now, its beauty served only to provide a confusing haze of gray and silver to his sight.

Envy was guiding him, this way and that with voice and touch, and he trusted their coaxing. He had no real reason not to, after all. Perhaps they would find Lust, and deliver their warning; perhaps then they could find, and defeat--even kill--the pathetic goose that had attacked him.

Gradually, as the weasel guided him, Pride came to a halt. "Here?" he asked, in his melodic, fluting voice.

@Envy @Lust

Envy peered around them, taking in the scenery. Once satisfied that they were heading the right way, Envy settled down and prepared to wait- but the deer's long strides covered ground faster than they could when merely walking, and they were soon almost there. When Pride stopped, they were a little way off- but only by a dozen metres or so.

In any case, Envy squirmed, stretching, before beginning the long climb down from Pride's back. They covered the last distance in a matter of seconds, their body stretching like a snake and little claws clattering on the stone. They followed the path of the crumbled wall until they reached the familiar section which housed all their hoarded stones and gems. "Over here!" they called shrilly, passing their den and climbing their way up the pile of(to them) enormous bricks to reach the area where Lust had built her nest.

"Lust! Luuuust! Are you here?" they yelled as they neared the top, hoping that she'd be there.


"Speech."

@Lust - feel free to let us know if Lust's not in the area/you don't feel like joining up!

Up high along the stony wall one ledge was wider than the others. It was on that ledge, up against the wall, that a nest of grass, sticks, stones, and even a bit of moss laid. Largely concealed by the nest was a small opening in the cave that held a few small trinkets. At the moment that was only a golden colored feather and a bit of greenish brown fur. This was a bit troublesome to the owner of said nest and treasure trove. Lust, the small pigeon chick who owned the area, also wanted to collect something from Lady Reseda as well. Unfortunately, they haven’t had any luck with that yet so their treasury was quite bare.

It didn’t help that Lust wasn’t as edge lately about leaving their nest. From this vantage point they were able to see a good wide range. Any sort of danger would be easily noticed. It also seemed that a lot of creatures weren’t able to fly so that added a bit of additional comfort. The sparkling crystals had become a bit of a comfort for the chick. Which was a nice change of pace from the adventure they had last time they tried to leave Orion.

The pigeon chick gave a bit of a shudder at the thought of the golem attack. It was fortunate that Glory had been there but the incident had left a bit of a mark on the young fledgling. Particularly the vision they had received. In truth, Lust was still trying to wrap their head around that. Partly because trying to think on it was unpleasant.

Fortunately, a distraction had arrived. Lust heard Envy before seeing them. It wasn’t unusual to hear the weasel as their den was so close to the pigeon’s nest. But this time was a more directed effort. Curiosity became a welcomed distraction for the chick. Lust stood up and walked over toward the ledge where Envy was nearing. From here they were able to see the weasel bounding up the wall towards them. More curiously, a white figure stood nearby.

It was impossible for Lust not to stare at the deer. Their coat seemed to shimmer like the very crystals that lined the cavern. The creature was majestic and beautiful. Who was this mysterious person? Did Envy know them? Surely the weasel had to as the deer was standing so close to the wall where Envy (and their own treasure trove) rested. What were they doing here?

That last bit of musing brought the chick back to the current situation. Namely, the weasel swiftly coming towards them. They cooed loudly in response. “Yes yes, I’m here King Envy! Up here!”


"Speech looks like this."
Thoughts look like this.

tags: @Envy and @Pride
notes:

original coding by wulf for template purposes

Lust’s greeting sent a thrill of excitement through Envy’s body, an excited bristle running from their nose to the tip of their tail. They saw them appear and grinned their way... although they couldn’t help but notice with a twinge in their belly the glances she cast Pride’s way. Envy tried not to let it show, though they eyed lust with an air of aloofness.

"Lust! You remember I told you about Pride, yes?" they introduced briskly. "Well, Lust, Pride-" -the weasel gestured wildly between the two Gembounds- "And Pride, Lust- uh, get over here so you can see them. But... not too close."

They paused for a moment before continuing. "A good king like myself protects their subjects," The weasel added, gesturing to Pride and Lust in an effort to draw all attention back to themselves. "That’s why we’re here. Right, Pride?"

"Speech."

@pride

Pride listened, one ear flicking. To him, Lust was but a small, pale-ish ball-shape somewhere above and ahead. He lifted his head higher to watch, distantly and politely aloof. As Envy spoke, he listened. When they were instructed to draw closer together (he thought Envy was talking to Lust, but he was unsure), he took several graceful steps closer.

Envy seemed... well, envious. He might be wrong, but it almost seemed as though the weasel were jealous, turning attention straight back to themselves. Or, he thought, perhaps proud; the little one had always been just as proud as he was.

Perhaps that was why he liked them.

At the declaration of kingship and protectors, he briefly, but intently, considered his response. He was a little amused, but he would be true to his word, and bolster the weasel's standing before Lust as best he could, if just that little bit.

A graceful incline of his head, and his musical voice began fluting forth once more.

"I am Pride, and it is good to meet you. Envy has said good things of you. And yes, a king protects; they have most generously offered to aid me," he explained. His tone was the same soothing, soft and well-spoken voice as before, high-pitched, as if it could belong to a very effeminate male or a particularly strong-voiced female. "I was attacked savagely by a creature who has damaged my very namesake--a dangerous beast, which Envy has benevolently agreed to aid in defeating. To recover that which was taken from me: a single swath of hair. Truly, they are courageous."

He then turned a bit toward Envy, bowing the forefront of his body down somewhat, one knee heavily bent, and dipped his long single-spike antlers toward the ground. "But first, Envy wished to come here, and give you warning to avoid the creature, so that you might remain safe. Ought I to describe the beast, or do you wish to?"

Pride turned near-blind eyes to the weasel, faintly amused. He hoped they appreciated these gracious words; they'd hardly pay for a battle, but it was a start, he thought. And it was proof: if Envy aided him, they would indeed have his support.

@Lust

At Envy’s explanation of who the newcomer was, Lust nodded and turned back to them. The creature was just beautiful. Previously Lust had thought that Glory was the most beautiful creature they had seen. He had been like flames against the sun when he rescued the chick. But this deer, Pride, was beautiful too. If Glory was like fire, this deer was like crystalline ice. Once he spoke, it just added to the imagery.

“I’m Lust. It’s good to meet you too. Envy told me about you and said I should meet you sometime. I can’t imagine what he could have said about me though! I’m just a small chick under his and Lady Reseda’s care! They both have been super nice and wonderful to me. King Envy even helped me gather things up for a nest and build it!” With that, they turned to the weasel with a smile.

Some part of them was proud that others were recognizing the glory of their king. Especially such a majestic creature as Pride was. To see them bow before Envy reaffirmed the weasel’s place of respect in the chick’s mind. They also wondered for a moment if they too should bow when they came up. Was that proper? Envy was a king, after all. Envy must have been lenient since they were a chick! Lust bobbed their head down in bow as well, making a mental note to remember to do so in the future.

The serene moment was lost, though, as Pride recounted why they were there. Lust spun around to face Pride, nearly falling off the edge. Pink eyes widen and the gem on their left cheek almost seemed to flash. At first the bird was knock senseless and simply stared at first one and then the other. They tried to speak but it came out choked.

Lust swallowed before trying again. “You don’t mean the rock monster do you! I thought Glory killed it! It can’t be back! It tried to hurt my poor Glory! But no-no, I saw it crumb! I mean, I saw it rise up and attack again, but that wasn’t real. Not really, anyways. No, it’s gone now! Gone gone GONE!”

And with that, Lust hobbled to their nest, ducking their head under their wing. They didn’t want to face the rock monster again. It was bad enough the first time.


"Speech looks like this."
Thoughts look like this.

tags: @Envy @Pride
notes: So Lust might be a teensy bit traumatized at the moment. ^_^;;;;

original coding by wulf for template purposes

Envy glanced towards Lust and grinned broadly hearing Pride's words. The sheer validation of it all caused the weasel to swell visibly, a pleased look in their eye. "That's right!" Envy trilled excitedly, as Pride's praise struck all the right notes to make them feel wonderfully kingly. Pride called them courageous, generous, kind- everything they'd always wanted to hear, all those words that they fantasized of and so dearly craved.

They glanced towards Lust as the little pigeon started to speak- more fawning words, though they would have preferred the pigeon to make note of their exploits away from Reseda. The fact that Lust discussed them so interchangeably was... saddening. But they let Lust tell Pride about their exploits nonetheless. It was enough, they decided with a nod.

The bow that Pride added on the end was almost too much, sending a thrill of seething excitement through every inch of them- especially when Lust followed suit. They couldn't help raising a paw to their mouth for a moment in surprise, but they rose up as tall as they could and accepted it by raising their chin and nodding as nobly as they could. If only that sneaky lizard Reseda could see them now!

Well, she would soon enough.

Envy nodded as Pride explained their purpose a little further, too. They opened their jaws to elaborate, but to their dismay, Lust freaked out and ran back to her nest, screaming something about a rock monster. Envy gritted their teeth and tried to rectify the situation. Caves, what happened whilst I was gone? they couldn't help but wonder, with a low ache in their heart. Lust mentioned some... 'glory' person, and Envy couldn't help not liking the sound of him already, stealing Envy's thunder and the hearts in Lust's eyes. How dare he! "Rock monster? W-well, I don't know about any rock monsters, but we're talking about an actual monster. A goose, right? I don't think it has anything to do with rocks." They narrowed their eyes in thought, recalling Pride's description. "Black head, brown wings, and spikes that definitely shouldn't be there, right? And crazy, too."

"Speech."

@Pride

Pride listened, delicately quiet as the little one panicked. She was calling someone "my Glory," which didn't bode well for Envy's possible infatuation--if he'd even read the situation right. Or perhaps that was her name..? Maybe she just wished to be with everyone? He eyed her indifferently, considering--or, rather, eyed the pale shape that represented her past the milky glaze over his eyes.

Then it was panicking, tumbling back, and Envy's words snapped him from his thoughts.

"Hmm? --Yes, a goose. A long, black neck--a bird--with white patches on its cheeks. It had spikes across its bill, and down its chest. It spoke of horrific things, of causing pain, and attacked for little reason. I suggest you stay hidden until it is dealt with, Lust," he added. There was some faint distaste in his use of the word, but he forced it passed his lips with no sign of it.

Who named this one, again..? Reseda? Honestly, we shall have to rename it. I wonder if the poor creature even knows what its name means.

@Lust

Hearing the two creatures elaborate on the newest monster, Lust slowly perked her head back up to listen. Envy seemed confused by the notion of a “rock monster.” A small voice in the back of the chick’s mind wondered if maybe they didn’t believe them. Both the deer and weasel then went to explain that they were talking about a goose, which seemed to be a large bird of some sort. “Not a rock monster?” Lust cooed softly to clarify.

Other than the spikes, this goose didn’t sound too horrible. Definitely not in comparison to the monster they had faced before with the eagle Glory. It was just a bird, right? Lust was a bird too and they weren’t particularly scary. Why would a goose be particularly bad? Though Pride said that it talked of hurting others….

“Wait, are you two going after it? Oh Envy, you can’t! I mean, it’s just a bird. I’m a bird too. Birds aren’t that scary! But if wants to hurt others! Envy, you can’t go! I can’t have you get hurt!” As Lust spoke, they hopped up and out of the nest. They quickly rushed over to the weasel to implore them to reconsider. It was as if out of a western movie, the young lady wailing to the cowboy that he couldn’t go after the outlaw.

But this wasn’t make believe. In the attack before Glory had almost gotten seriously hurt. Lust saw with their own eyes how the golem would attack mercilessly. They had known Envy for so long, they had become important to them. They couldn’t allow anyone to hurt them. They wouldn’t allow it. Or to the beautiful stag that stood nearby.


"Speech looks like this."
Thoughts look like this.

tags: @Envy and @Pride
notes:

original coding by wulf for template purposes